Ah, yes. Corporate stress. Some days, it’s feels like you may be trapped in a never-ending cycle of deadlines, meetings, and passive-aggressive emails. It’s like every time you think you’ve got a handle on things, the universe throws another curveball your way. And let’s not even talk about office politics… it’s like high school all over again, except this time you’re expected to be a mature and competent adult.
But you know what they say, “when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.” 🍋 Or, sometimes in my case…. you pour yourself a stiff drink and hope for the best…
Kidding. Sort of. 😆
In all seriousness, finding ways to manage stress in the corporate world can be a challenge, but it’s also crucial for maintaining your sanity and achieving your goals. With now nearly twelve (12!) years of corporate life under my belt, I believe I have some experience in that department. Perhaps instead of learning through trial and error like I’ve been doing for some time, these strategies could be helpful for you. Save yourself the mental anguish!
So, grab your favorite stress ball (or bottle of wine) and let’s dive in.
Practice mindfulness
Okay, if you’re anything like me… forcing yourself to meditate or practice yoga is all fine and dandy until it’s actually in practice. Sometimes, when I close my eyes and sit in silence, my brain gets about 10x louder. So, to each their own! Find out what works best for you and take this piece of advice with a small nibble.
Try something that will increase your sense of “well-being”. That could mean simply taking a minute or two each day to just focus on slow and steady breathing or visualizing a calm environment. Observe your thoughts without judgement while staring at a screensaver of a beach you love, if that’s where you need to start.
Set boundaries
Learn to say “no” to requests you can’t handle or that aren’t your responsibility. There’s a difference between going “above and beyond” and tiring yourself out past the point to utility. Your work life is a candle: you need to trim the wick before you burn out.
Set realistic goals and prioritize your tasks. Avoid overcommitting and delegating tasks when possible.
Take breaks
Easier said than done for those of us who operate of level 10 most of the day. However, it’s important to take short breaks throughout the day to recharge your energy and reduce stress. Take a walk, stretch, or chat with a colleague to clear your mind.
OR if you’re someone who works from a remote setting… maybe midday after a challenging email strain is a great time to give mom a call. Maybe getting food delivered isn’t worth the extra charge – get out of your stuffy home office and go grab a snack.
Practice self-care
Make time for the activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or spending time with friends and family. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthier foods, and stay hydrated.
It’s always the things that are easy to do that are also easy not to do. Carrying water around to sip between espresso shots can change your morning energy levels to a more manageable degree. Unwinding with aromatic lavender bath salts, good music, and your favorite book after a long day of work can get you through even the most stressful meetings. Also… getting home to watch stream a few episodes of that show you’ve been holding off on and a bowl of some ice cream can be quite the treat to look forward to!
Seek support
Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or close colleagues for support if you need it. Consider seeking professional help, such as counseling or therapy, if you’re experiencing persistent stress of anxiety. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and willingness to change, not a weakness. It’s the first step on a journey onwards and upwards.
Dealing with stress at work is challenging, but it’s SO IMPORTANT to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Remember to prioritize your well-bring by setting boundaries, taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support when you need it. Incorporating self-care activities into your daily routine can also help you manage stress and improve your overall quality of life. By implementing these strategies, you can navigate corporate stress with greater easy and thrive in your professional life.
PHEW! I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling a little less stressed already. Who knew taking a break to binge-watch Netflix and eat some ice cream could be such a game-changer? 😁 We aren’t robots – we’re human. Sometimes we need a little TLC to get through the day.
To all my fellow twenty-something corporate warriors out there, let’s make a pact to prioritize ourselves a little more. Take that lunch break you always skip, go for a walk around the block, or call up a friend to vent for a bit. Whatever it takes to give yourself some breathing room and relieve that stress.
THE NEXT JEN 
Leave a Reply